Otto's RestaurantFood heaven near Chancery LaneYet another wonderful dining experience at Otto's. It just gets better and better!12/06/2013 00:00:00Could be betterWe arrived at 5:30pm on Wednesday to take advantage of the early dinner speacial of £18 for 2 course. There were a total of three tables only throughout our dinner, so not much of atmosphere to speak of. Food arrived promptly. My cream leek soup was delicious, albeit a bit on the salty side. My wife enjoyed her snails and I quote "probably the best snails I've ever had". I had the mushroom ravioli and again it was on the salty side and the bitterness of the rocket salad didn't work for me. Wife had the duck pastry and it definitely looked (and tasted) better value for money than my ravioli. Overall a good value place but choose your dishes wisely.12/06/2013 00:00:00A Hidden GemTucked away on Grays Inns Road Otto's provides excellent French food and an extensive wine list both of which are very good value. We will be back soon!05/06/2013 00:00:00Canard a la presseI have been waiting for years for an opportunity to try this dish - on learning that it was available at Otto's we booked for a celebration. The skill and theatre in preparing canard a la presse is fantastic, and the taste was sublime - and the skill of the kitchen was evident is everything served with the duck. It meant that a dish that I have been waiting years to try met and even exceeded expectations. We also enjoyed the escargots as a starter and a generous cheeseboard after as well as a fantastic and not too expensive bottle of Marsannay with the duck. This is a dish for special occasions, but the sauce alone justifies the visit. Absolutely superb!01/06/2013 00:00:00Traditional French cuisineAn outstanding culinary experience, a reasonably priced menu with top ingredients and skilful cuisine with generous service and a very competitively priced and carefully selected wine list. If you appreciate traditional French cooking at its best you cannot find better for the price. The decor is a little old-fashioned but quirky but you go here for the food and friendly and attentive service. It saves you having to make the journey on Eurostar to find an authentic small French restaurant that still aspires to the old standards of excellence.27/05/2013 00:00:00great restaurantVisited London for 10 days, and have been to London 6 vacations previously, but Otto was one of the best dinners we've had. When we lst walked in, restaurant was empty but by the time we finished dinner, it was packed. All the food was excellent and service was impecable. We would definatley return on our next vacation.
I had the escargot which were delicious & better than the ones I had at a big hotel rest. on the Strand. The apple tartlet was so very good, I'd go back just for this.24/05/2013 00:00:00Saturday evening meal forSaturday evening meal for three. Great service right from the start without being over-attentive. Room nearly full but somehow the atmosphere lacked something. Quite eclectic decor but it was possibly the lighting that could be improved. The food though was excellent and there is a comprehensive wine list at reasonable value. Finished with a superb Monbasillac. Would recommend.18/05/2013 00:00:00Great little local restaurantWhilst a little off the beaten track Otto's was well worth the visit. Food and service was excellent and decor quirky enough to make it an interesting experience.18/05/2013 00:00:00Pre theatre menu outstandingWe are all use to pre-theatre menus where is is small portions of salmon or chicken indifferently prepared and presented. Not here. A wonderful slow cooked duck sausage, and for my companion yes, Salmon, but with delightful Hollandaise. enjoyed the starter and dessert too Attentive service and superb wine list.14/05/2013 00:00:00Super meal at Otto's RestaurantLast Friday four of us had an excellent meal at Otto's. Each of the three courses was very enjoyable, presented very nicely, cooked and prepared to perfection. Service was top class.
Would I go again? Definitely!03/05/2013 00:00:00ExcellentCame here for dinner and ate from the a le carte menu. It's away from the hustle and bustle and is an absolute gem, plus the Cittee of Yorke pub is nearby. Best French food outside of France! Service was very friendly and made the evening that much more special.27/04/2013 00:00:00Fantastic little gem!We found this restaurant whilst looking in the Chancery Lane area and saw the great reviews, which drew us in. Wow, we were not disappointed at all. We had the set menu and were very pleased with the choices. The steak was perfect and the wine that was recommended to go with it was not only great value but was completely amazing. We highly recommend Otto's and we will definitely be back!25/04/2013 00:00:00Great food, good value wineGreat food, good value wine and fantastic service. My wife and i had the set menu which for 3 courses for £28 is outstanding. Duck (tender and tasty) and Frois Gras salad was rich and wonderful with a honey dressing althought the leaves were a tad bitter, the filet steak and frites was perfectly cooked and the same salad and dressing did make a reappearence from the first course, but the chocolate fondant pud was perfect.. Also, we did visit on a Monday when it was very quiet ! Half a bottle of Poilly Fume and a further bottle of red with the main both of which excellent. Service was excellent and will certainly be going back to this quirky restaurant that has bags of personality in its food and general demeanour.22/04/2013 00:00:00We love Otto's n been returningWe love Otto's n been returning to this restaurant on many occasions. Good foods n wines n also services were very good. Would definitely return again.19/04/2013 00:00:00Otto's hosting second to none,Otto's hosting second to none, a most welcoming restaurant with excellent staff and service. Menu small but interesting, with a very good choice. The food was excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening at this restaurant and would definately return on our next trip to London.18/04/2013 00:00:00A very good lunch at Otto'sOnly way to review this restaurant is to say that all of us had great food in a really pleasant ambiance with good service. The wines on offer were good and excellent value and all 4 of us will return given a most enjoyable lunch.16/04/2013 00:00:00Great FoodFirst time at Otto's restaurant and really enjoyed it. The food was spot on with slick service.12/04/2013 00:00:00This is a super restaurant,This is a super restaurant, maybe a little away from the usual areas associated with good eating places but well worth the trip to experience the food, service and ambience which are all excellent.
The set menus are high quality and reasonably priced, as are a lot of the excellent wines.
A particular favourite of mine is the steak tartare which is always first rate and usually available on the a la carte menu.
The staff are more than accommodating and fulfil all extra requests if at all possible.(I have never asked for anything that hasn't arrived!)12/04/2013 00:00:00Fab French classic diningWhat a treasure. The food at Otto's is very accomplished. Great atmosphere and Otto takes time out to engage with each and everyone of his guest his guests. The wine list is extensive and there is something of quality for every budget. The set menus offer great value. Go there for a stunning lunch you won't be disappointed.11/04/2013 00:00:00Excellent as alwaysI've loved this place since I first went, nothing has changed, first class food and service as always.06/04/2013 00:00:00We ate at Otto'son SaturdayWe ate at Otto'son Saturday night and found the setting delightful. The staff were very friendly and attentive without being intrusive. The starters of snails with bone marrow and the pasta with celeriac and truffle were sublime. Plenty of crusty fresh bread was offered without us having to ask for it. The beef main course was perfectly rare with a fabulous pan fried foie gras balanced on top. The sweetbreads were also lovely although if there was one slight criticism it would be that the sauce which accompanied this dish was a little on the salty side. Otto's also serve a set menu which at £24 for 2 courses looks extraordinarily good value. We will definitely return.06/04/2013 00:00:00Innovative traditional cuisineHighly accomplished, confident traditional cooking with a twist, for example celeriac linguini was actually the strips made out of celeriac. Scallops beautifully presented in the shells sealed together with pastry.05/04/2013 00:00:00The setting is a little different-fThe setting is a little different-feels like it's someone's front room. There are not so many tables/cover, around 10 and we were about half full.
That said, the tables are well spaced and the seating comfortable. Otto himself makes everyone feel at ease and has a real passion for the food and wine he is serving. The food is delicious. We has Snails and Salmon, both nicely presented, fresh and and well seasoned and flavoured. Mains were also scrummy with Fillet of beef-superbly cooked. Otto has a fantastic wine cellar with some real gems in there. very hospitable and would definitely return.03/04/2013 00:00:00Fabulous find on Grays Inn RdWell tucked away for the discerning diner. Not a place one would stumble into at random. Quaint, extremely tasteful decor. Absolutely top notch service to match the superlative fare. Fabulous value on the Top Table 50% off food offer. Definitely one to savour.27/03/2013 00:00:00its was so delicious!!!! theits was so delicious!!!! the filet of beef was cook perfectly and the sauce was very tasty. as french I am very happy to find this restaurant away from the west end . I will recommand to all the food lover!!!!25/03/2013 00:00:00Fantastic mealThis booking was for a special occassion and my friends and I were not disappointed. The restaurant's style is classic rather than modern, and while this lends to a certain sense of decorum, at no stage did we feel inhibited in having a good time.
All of the dishes were of the highest standard and the wine menu is what you would expect of the this style of French dining.
Special credit to the chefs for the gluten-free options, as this was important to one of member of my party.25/03/2013 00:00:00Thoroughly enjoyableFirst visit but we will be back next time we are in London. Very fine French style cooking of a high class. Service was just right and Otto and his staff were friendly and welcoming hosts. We all ( four of us) had different main courses and different desserts and felt each one was excellent. Impressed with the wine list and when one of our choices was unavailable were talked into choosing a cheaper but very good alternative.20/03/2013 00:00:00Otto's is outstanding!I took my husband here for his birthday - we chose this restaurant because of the menu, and the good reviews it had received here and on TripAdviser.
On entering we were immediately greeted in a friendly manner, and offered a choice of seats. we had an aperitif whilst looking over the menu, and had some lovely fresh bread with butter and a small portion of pate.
Our starters were lovely (I had the crab bisque) - but it was really the main course we were looking forward to - I had the best rack of lamb I think I've ever had, while even my husband was wowed by the steak tartare! The wine is very reasonably priced too, and the puddings were amazing!
Overall, this was one of the nicest dinners I've had out in a very long time.19/03/2013 00:00:00the best in London and beyondI am a frequent diner at Ottos and I can't believe how each time I go...it gets better and better. The attention to detail with food and the attention of the owner and staff makes this divine. If you want an affordable high quality meal ...this is the place. Highly highly recommend...18/03/2013 00:00:00Flawless FoodOtto's restaurant was outstanding. The food was simply flawless.
Started with a Soft Shell Crab Bisque - divine. Main - Slow cooked Hare stuffed with Foie Gras, with mushroom and potato purees and the most beautiful dark rich jus. Phenomenal. and to finish a delicious tarte tatin. The wine was outstanding as well. The decor is interesting but who cares with food like that.13/03/2013 00:00:00What a find!Came here the day after mother's day with my mother and my partner because of the toptable deal and was completely taken with the place. It felt like an occasion, with none of the pretensions of more established restaurants. Nicely done up, carefully thought about french restaurant, which manages old world grand cafe charm, with a fresher and more modern edge. Delicious food: I particularly recommend the cheese souffle having eaten most of my partner's, it was so good. My duck and my mother's hare looked good and were tasty. The menu was meaty but the limited vegetarian options were interesting. Attentive, enthusiastic service, which included an illustration of how the duck press works, completed a perfect dining experience.11/03/2013 00:00:00First ClassVisited Otto's for my birthday was looking for a nice restaurant to visit in London and after seeing the great reviews on Trip TripAdvisor decided to give it a try. From the moment you entered you received 5 star service the staff could not do enough for you. My other half wanted to try steak tartare and the waiter was brilliant at answering his questions about the dish. We both had the snails to start which were amazing and very different to anything we had had before. I had the lamb rack which was beautiful and my other half loved his steak tartare. We will definitely be no matter the distance.09/03/2013 00:00:00Delightfully quirkyTucked away on Grays Inn Road you would be forgiven for not noticing the restaurant. It occupies an unassuming spot in a typically London town house.
The restaurant has 8 or 9 tables set out so that even though the room feels buzzy, There's plenty of privacy and opportunity for quiet conversation with your dining partners.
I had fois gras liver for starters, wonderful theatrical table-made steak tartare for main and cheeseboard to finish. I chose a malbec to drink.
I really enjoyed Otto's with the added bonus that the service was delightful. Everyone seemed to go out of their way to make us feel special. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for great French food in intimate surroundings with lovely service, great value wine list and food.08/03/2013 00:00:00Exceeded expectationsWent here following a recommendation from a friend - always a bit apprehensive when receiving recommendations! The food was lovely, the wine well priced and the service spot on.08/03/2013 00:00:00great food, wine and service!Business dinner was well received: excellent food with attentive and friendly service. Top steak tartare and john dory was delicious. Wine decanted properly. We will be back!04/03/2013 00:00:00Lovely French restaurant,Lovely French restaurant, with great food, a charming quiet atmosphere and impeccable service from friendly French waiters. The tables were well spread and comfortable and the food was well presented and delicious. We will definately go back on special occasions.28/02/2013 00:00:00Excellent set lunchThe three-course set lunch for £28 was excellent. The food was outstanding and exceptional value. I particularly enjoyed the red mullet with saffron risotto rice. The wine list has many good bottles at less than £20 which is a welcome novelty for a high-class London restaurant. Thoroughly recommended.25/02/2013 00:00:00Lots of character and great foodFour of us spent an evening at Otto's and which was the first time we had been. I was surprised how small it was but it was warm and cosy. The food was of a high standard and very tasty. The menu offered scallops and one of our party assumed they would be served hot but in fact it was cold, sliced with a mayonnaise, small chopped salad etc. For me it was excellent but my friend did not like it being cold (menu did not state served cold). When asked by the waiter why it was not eaten he immediately offered something else which was declined and the cost was deducted from the bill which was very fair.21/02/2013 00:00:00Excellent wines at affordable priceHave you ever been frustrated over the fact that the good wines you drink at home are ridiculously overpriced in restaurants? Ottos´has a cure with the flat 10 GBP extra charge for all wines irrespectively how expensive they are. The wine list is very extensive and holds some excellent older vintages. Ask for a table away from the kitchen region (noisy and the smell of the mature excellent cheeses may disturb your dinner.21/02/2013 00:00:00Excellence personifiedThe best lunch I have eaten for some years. It could not be faulted both in terms of food and service. This restaurant is worthy of Michelin stars.20/02/2013 00:00:00Amazing food!We recently went to Otto's for our anniversary dinner, and it was definitely the right choice. With it's quirky but simple decor, polite and professional staff, and outstanding food, I'd definitely visit again. My partner had the scallop starter and the duck as a main, I had the snails and the hare; and then an apple tart to share for dessert. The dishes were decently sized and immaculately presented, with wonderful flavour combinations! Definitely one of the top three French restaurants I've been to in London and would highly recommend it for a special occasion or a fine-dining evening with some friends.16/02/2013 00:00:00wine lover's heavenGreat meal but a truly exceptional wine list with excellent value. attentive service, albeit in a relaxed setting.16/02/2013 00:00:00Classical EleganceWe entered Ottos' interesting postioned next to a fried chicked shop.Otto's is interestingly decorated like a antiques shop with random items and pictures on the walls, all a bit quirky but very interested.
The service was near perfection, infact i'd have to be really harsh and have the delve deep into my memeory to find anything negative to say.
The food also was excellent, beautifully presented and very flavourful.
My wife had the Steak Tartare which the waiter made in front of us at the table, it was total theatre and so interesting, it made it extra special.
If you like classical French cuisine you can't go far wrong with Otto's.
I would definitely be revisiting Otto's soon and be recommending it to friends and family.16/02/2013 00:00:00Hidden gem in central LondonAte at Ottos this month and we thought the whole experience was great. Couldn't fault why if the food or service, even if I think really hard! A little quiet music might have been nice, but that's it.
This restaurant was tricky to find so you don't get "passing trade" which is great.14/02/2013 00:00:00FantasticI took my girlfriend to dinner on Valentines evening. We had not visited before but due to good reviews wanted to give it a try and we were not disappointed. The food was amazing, full of flavour and texture and presented in a really lovely way. The service was very attentive but not intrusive and I believe it was very good value for money. A real treat for a special occasion or celebration, highly recommend!14/02/2013 00:00:00great food and wineDuring a 2 weeks london trip, I went twice to Otto's restaurant. Both times service and food were outstanding. They have a great wine list with affordable prices. Restaurant strongly recommended.11/02/2013 00:00:00Wonderful OttosA very special restaurant with a wonderful ambiance and a fantastic wine list with specials at a flat £10 per bottle.11/02/2013 00:00:00Wonderful experienceWe booked this meal as a finish to a mini break in London.
Otto's had been recommended and we were not disappointed.
Everything was great, the staff were attentive, the food delicious and the bill was surprisingly reasonable
The menu had so many options we found it difficult to choose..
WOULD DEFINATELY RECOMMEND / WE WILL BE BACK08/02/2013 00:00:00Excellent dining experienceWe visited Otto's on a Thursday night. The restaurant was rather empty when we arrived (6:30pm) but by the end of the night every single table was taken.
Food and service were superb, couldn't rate it any higher. Even with the 50% toptable offer Otto's is not cheap – we paid £230 for 4 people with starters, mains and two desserts plus two bottles of wine. However, we all thought that it was the best food we had in a long time and that it was well worth the money.07/02/2013 00:00:00Brilliant serviceThe food was of the highest quality, as would be expected of a restaurant of this type, however what really set it apart, for me, was the amazing service. It was exactly the right blend of perfectly attentive, knowledgeable and friendly whilst suitably in the background when there was no need to be anything else, my perfect service.
The feel of the restaurant is a great blend of homely opulence, so you feel completely comfortable and was a great space to eat and enjoy time with friends. Otto's philosophy on wine is to be admired and enjoyed as well.
Overall a great experience and we will definitely be back soon.06/02/2013 00:00:00